Roy Cox Contributing author Father of Cheryl This is kind of humorous - how I perceive life through my daughter's eyes, or how she perceives life, I think. It is the early life of a child born deaf and blind. Dark, silent, motionless…P-E-R-F-E-C-T. My arm is grabbed I’m pulled and pushed. Things stuck in to my mouth that I don’t want or like. Think I’ll scream, punch, kick, bite everyone! This went on for years, my fingers were being moved about, my feet wrapped in something so I couldn’t feel anything, when I did, I didn’t like it at all, leave me alone. Think I’ll scream, punch, kick, bite everyone! That usually stops them. I noticed they keep doing the same things over and over with my fingers before they do anything, don’t like it. Think I’ll scream, punch, kick, bite everyone! I’ve been doing this for years but they won’t give up I’ll humour them and copy what they are doing. Who- o-o-h! Now that’s done it, they are doing it more. My new tactic, punch myself and scream. Hmmm didn’t work, different people doing it now, even more regular. I’ll teach them! I found that if I threw everything as hard as I can they give up. Wonder what else I can do to get them off my case! They have been sitting me on something. It’s OK, warm and moves, smells a bit though, must be big as they lift me up to sit on it. This time it bounced me all over the place, didn’t like it. So bit it, Ha, that stopped that. I can hardly move my arms or legs; head’s bound up in something, and it’s freezing cold. They sit me on this hard seat and put heavy things on my feet and then these long things, I can feel my legs and feet being pushed against something. What are they doing? One quick back header should sort this! Didn’t work, now I have to stand up on these floppy things, but I do like it when the feeling on my face changes and my hair moves. I have to try and scoop my own bits of food now, they used to put it in my mouth, if I didn’t they would not feed me! My fingers can pick up no bother, but they make me try to balance it on this scoop and then find my mouth with it! Easier with my fingers every time. I’m hungry tonight so tried the stuff I make myself. Sticky, stinky, smelly-ish, need a drink. I’ll scream that’ll do it! But I’m pulled, pushed, fingers in my mouth, stealing MY food. Scraping my teeth, brushes in my mouth UGH!!!!! What is wrong with these people? I like my new sleeping place, they leave me alone, good fun exploring my body, then they wake me up and take me out of my warm bed. LIFE SUCKS!!! Joined these others banging objects and making vibrations, great fun, really like dancing with them as well. I’ve been making pictures with bits I found when I’ve been out walking. This man, he’s been around for as long as I can remember, he helped me put them on my wall. Most people come and go, but the ones that stay around have got signs, I have the “bristle lip” one and the “smooth cheek” then the “ear lobe” I’ve known them the longest… Luv my pals that live with me now and help me shop and make food. I can even get some of them to wash my clothes, and clean and cook, if I play daft, or throw the odd tantrum. They can even let me know who I’m going to be with tomorrow, clever. Not quite as clever as me though. I still only do what I want to do, but not as often as I would like, Must be getting old!!!! From a very sad and unhappy human being Who we thought would never have a quality of life Sense Scotland with their dedicated staff and our love and upport, that young girl has become a funny, interesting young woman, who never ceases to amaze us. I’m sure Cheryl joins us in saying THANKS. And wishes you all well for the future. Thank you for the opportunity to write this story and express ourselves, with Liz's help obviously. Thank you all for your hospitality and the beautiful food today. It was great.